Reading Democracy in America: Consequences Of The Three Preceding Chapters 11-1-2010

 Again, I see a great loss from de Tocqueville's time to ours:

When men feel a natural compassion for their mutual sufferings—when they are brought together by easy and frequent intercourse, and no sensitive feelings keep them asunder—it may readily be supposed that they will lend assistance to one another whenever it is needed. When an American asks for the co-operation of his fellow-citizens it is seldom refused, and I have often seen it afforded spontaneously and with great goodwill. If an accident happens on the highway, everybody hastens to help the sufferer; if some great and sudden calamity befalls a family, the purses of a thousand strangers are at once willingly opened, and small but numerous donations pour in to relieve their distress. It often happens amongst the most civilized nations of the globe, that a poor wretch is as friendless in the midst of a crowd as the savage in his wilds: this is hardly ever the case in the United States. The Americans, who are always cold and often coarse in their manners, seldom show insensibility; and if they do not proffer services eagerly, yet they do not refuse to render them.

Tomorrow's election shall probably determine reform of American healthcare. The fight so far has shown little sympathy for the poor wretches without healthcare. I found the legislative process messy, and thought the law was, at best, a first draft. I would have preferred a public option, and by the end of the Senatorial negotiations would have gone for a single-payer system just to end the silliness. I believe releasing people from the fear of ill-health would release a tidal wave of energy in this country.

But what about taxes? Could it be the income tax changed our view of our fellow Americans? I never quite thought so, but I knew the very rich were never fully taxed 9thank lawyers and accountants and pliable politicians for that), but I think any envy was offset by knowing I did not have their problems. Still, at this point in time, I do wonder if how we perceive our taxes make us feel less equal. Another something for some to find out if there is any connection between idea and reality. 

sch

[2023 commenting on an omission made by 2010: race. Typing this, I noticed no mention of tax dollars benefitting non-whites. Race is the great divide between our time and de Tocqueville's - he is talking about a white America. sch 7/23/23.]